A day in Bergamo: What to see and do

Nestled in the Orobic Alps, Bergamo, a city praised by the famous architect Le Corbusier, is an enchanting blend of medieval charm and Renaissance elegance. Its compact historic centre, Città Alta, is a masterpiece of urban planning and testifies to centuries of history.

• Città Alta and Its Majestic Walls
• Piazza Vecchia: The Heart of Bergamo
• Piazza Duomo: A Baroque Marvel
• Cathedral of Sant’Alessandro
• The Colleoni Chapel
• Torre di Gombito
• Rocca di Bergamo
• Culinary Delights: Where to Savor Polenta
• Dining Recommendations
• Day Trips from Bergamo

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According to the architect Le Corbusier, not only does it have one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, but this city is so perfect that “to move even a single stone would be a crime”. The famous urban planner frequently mentioned Bergamo, an architectural masterpiece surrounded by the Orobian Alps and little known despite its richness.

If you have never been there, you can start with a shorter visit on your first trip – we’re sure you’ll be back! Would you like to know what you can see in Bergamo in one day? Then hop onto its funicular and come with us to explore its wonders, starting right from Città Alta

Città Alta and Its Majestic Walls

The historic heart of Bergamo is known as the Città Alta (Upper City), perched on a hill and surrounded by six kilometres of impressive walls dating back to its time as part of the Republic of Venice. The impressive Venetian Walls were built in the 16th century as a defensive measure during the reign of the Republic of Venice. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the walls offer breathtaking views over the city and surrounding countryside.

You can get there either by historic funicular or on foot, passing through one of the city’s ancient gates. Once at the top, immerse yourself in the labyrinthine streets lined with medieval palazzi and quaint shops.

Ascending to Porta San Giacomo

To reach Città Alta on foot, you can choose from 15 pedestrian pathways that ascend from the Lower Town to one of four ancient gates: Porta San Giacomo, Porta Sant’Agostino, Porta Sant’Alessandro, and Porta San Lorenzo.

If you opt for the Santa Lucia Vecchia steps leading down Via Sant’Alessandro, you will be greeted by the striking sight of Porta San Giacomo—a stunning pink-and-white marble gateway that stands as the only entry point consistently open to pedestrians.

While the ascent may be steep, take your time; the panoramic views are well worth it. Besides, a bit of exercise will prepare you for a hearty lunch ahead!

The Historic Funicular

Should you prefer a more leisurely approach, hop aboard the historic funicular from Viale Vittorio Emanuele II, a twenty-minute walk from the Piazza Marconi bus station. This charming ride brings you directly to the heart of the Old Town, leaving you refreshed and ready to explore.

You will arrive directly at the heart of the Old Town, fresh and rested, ready to explore the sights of Bergamo. Surely, you’ll take a vigorous  after-lunch walk anyway, of course you will!

Piazza Vecchia: The Heart of Bergamo

Here we are: the famous Piazza Vecchia, the “most beautiful in Europe” according to Le Corbusier. You have to admit, he’s right. This iconic square is home to some of Bergamo’s most significant historical edifices:

• Palazzo della Ragione: This is one of the oldest communal buildings in Lombardy, dating back to the late 12th century. It features a beautiful sundial on its façade.
• Torre Civica (Campanone): This imposing tower, also known as the Campanone, stands tall over the square. It offers panoramic views of the city and is famous for its 100 bell tolls at 10 PM each night. (open daily except Mondays from 9:30 am to 6 pm).
• Palazzo Nuovo: This elegant building houses the Biblioteca Angelo Mai, one of Italy’s most important libraries.
• Fontana Contarini: This charming fountain, donated to the city in 1780, adds a touch of elegance to the square.

Sit on the steps of the porticoes of the Palazzo Nuovo or at an outdoor table at one of the cafes in the square, and soak up the exquisite Renaissance atmosphere of this inspiring setting, which dates back to the middle of the 15th century.

Piazza Duomo: A Baroque Marvel

Just a short stroll from Piazza Vecchia lies Piazza Duomo, where you can marvel at another Italian masterpiece: the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The Basilica is a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture, dating back to the 12th century. Inside, visitors can admire exquisite Baroque decorations and intricate tapestries. This Baroque gem also serves as the final resting place for Bergamo’s illustrious composer, Gaetano Donizetti who numerous operas such as Lucia di Lammermoor, L’elisir d’amore and La favourita.

Cathedral of Sant’Alessandro

Located in Piazza Duomo, this cathedral is dedicated to Bergamo’s patron saint and features a Neoclassical façade added in the late 19th century. Inside, visitors can find remarkable artworks by renowned artists such as Tiepolo and Moroni.

The Colleoni Chapel

Adjacent to the Basilica is the Colleoni Chapel, a stunning example of early Renaissance architecture, built in honour of the Condottiere Bartolomeo Colleoni, with a stunning equestrian statue of him and intricate bas-reliefs. The façade is adorned with colourful marble inlays and the interior contains remarkable works of art, including ceiling paintings by Giambattista Tiepolo.

As you leave this enchanting place, you may wonder why it took you so long to discover Bergamo.

Torre di Gombito

As one of Bergamo’s oldest towers, the Torre di Gombito dates back to around 1100 and stands as a testament to the city’s medieval past. This tower offers another opportunity for panoramic views over the charming streets below.

Rocca di Bergamo

For those seeking historical depth, a visit to the Rocca, a fortress dating back to the 14th century, is essential. It houses the Museo del Risorgimento e della Resistenza, which details Italy’s struggle for independence.

Culinary Delights: Where to Savor Polenta

After all that exploration, your appetite is sure to be whetted! In Bergamo, culinary delights abound—most notably polenta. A visit here wouldn’t be complete without indulging in this local specialty.

Polenta

Polenta is a staple in Bergamo’s culinary repertoire, particularly Polenta Taragna, which is made from a blend of corn and buckwheat flour. This hearty dish is often served with various accompaniments such as sausages, stews, or melted cheese like Taleggio or Gorgonzola. For an authentic experience, try it at Osteria Al Gigianca, known for its warm atmosphere and traditional offerings.

Risotto alla Bergamasca

Another regional favourite is Risotto alla Bergamasca, a creamy rice dish often prepared with seasonal vegetables or mushrooms. This comforting dish showcases the local produce and is a must-try for risotto lovers. A recommended spot for this delicacy is La Taverna Babale, located just outside the city.

Manzo all’Olio

This traditional dish features tender braised beef cooked in olive oil and served with polenta. It’s a perfect representation of Bergamo’s rustic cooking style and is best enjoyed at fine dining establishments like Baretto di San Vigilio, where the ambience complements the exquisite food.

Scarpinocc de Parr

For those seeking a vegetarian option, Scarpinocc de Parr are delightful stuffed pasta made with bread and cheese. This dish offers a unique twist on traditional pasta and can be found in various local trattorias.

Local Cheeses and Cold Cuts

Bergamo is also renowned for its artisanal cheeses such as Taleggio and Gorgonzola. Pair these with local cured meats for an authentic antipasto experience. Many restaurants offer platters featuring these delights; try them at places like Antica Trattoria La Colombina for a scenic dining experience.

Dining Recommendations

For an authentic experience, head to Lalimentari on Via Tassis. Here, an entire page of their menu is dedicated to traditional polenta made from bramata cornmeal. Creamy and served piping hot, it pairs beautifully with Taleggio or Gorgonzola cheese. Alternatively, savour it with hearty accompaniments such as meat sauce, sausage, salami, or even mushrooms.

Don’t miss out on dessert! Bergamo is famous for its Stracciatella gelato, which was invented here in the 1960s. A visit to La Marianna ice cream parlour is essential to savour this creamy treat 

Day Trips from Bergamo

Should time permit during your visit, consider embarking on day trips from Bergamo. The surrounding region boasts picturesque landscapes and charming towns waiting to be explored. Whether it’s a jaunt to Lake Garda or a visit to nearby cities like Brescia or Milan, there’s no shortage of adventures just beyond Bergamo’s borders.

Getting to Bergamo with Italo

Did you know that you can reach Bergamo with our high- speed trains? We take you there with Italo: convenient, cheap and fast connections from many Italian cities (try Italo for your Santa Lucia trip: Bergamo is full of fun things to do).